As with my other book reviews, I will begin by judging the cover. The cover makes out this book is dark and monstrous, all about horror - it looks very scary. And, truth to be told, some of it is but this does not represent the book. I think the font used is perfect, as are the italics. So, overall I do like this cover and I think it is quite good. A cover is always tricky, as you want to exaggerate but not too much, if you know what I mean.

This book is not what it appears to be. Of course, there will be many theories about who the monster, who comes wandering at 12 at night, really is but this is the spirit of the book - there are no answers, there are no clues. There is just empty doorways, waiting to be opened.

The book is about a boy whose mother is dying of cancer. A monster comes, willing him to face the truth. The truth is only revealed at the end but it disappointed me. The ending was weak and mild, and was disappointing against the rest of the book. The "truth" was such an exciting issue throughout the book, and although the truth is like a cold slap to your cheek, it is disappointing.

Overall, this is an incredibly moving book that had me up all night, tears running down my cheeks. Every good book has bad points and this is certainly a fantastic book.

A Monster Calls, written by Patrick Ness and illustrated by Jim Kay, is the first book in the history of the prestigious Carnegie and Greenaway medals to win both awards. Patrick Ness also becomes only the second author to win the Carnegie award in consecutive years. Discover the book through Kay's illustrations